Exclusive: Lea Michele 'Hangs at Home' in First Candie's Campaign

It’s a gig Rachel Berry could only dream about: fronting the Candie’s spring 2012 campaign. But it’s a reality for Lea Michele, who’s the new face of the brand, taking over for Vanessa Hudgens (and her personal favorite, Britney Spears).

“It’s amazing, such an honor,” Michele tells PEOPLE. “Candie’s is such an iconic brand. The apparel is so adorable as well as affordable — and who doesn’t love that?”

Michele’s campaign is called “Hangin’ at Home,” and was shot at a private residence in Beverly Hills by fashion photographer Yu Tsai. “The concept is about enjoying being at home, feeling relaxed, comfortable and happy,” Michele explains of the shots, which show her in the kitchen, bedroom and by the pool.

The actress, who describes her personal style as “simple and comfortable,” was a natural choice, says Iconix chief marketing officer Dari Marder. “Everyone is obsessed with Glee, especially Lea Michele, and so are we.” Although for Michele, the fun of the campaign is putting her Glee-ful side away. “I love playing Rachel,” she says, “but being an actor, it’s always fun to switch things up and play around and be someone else for a little while.”

Michele’s campaign will debut in the March issues of Seventeen, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan, as well as online and at Kohl’s, where Candie’s sells exclusively. Tell us: What do you think of Michele’s first Candie’s ads?